Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Members of the Orchestra are currently in Modena, Italy – we’re there with the London Sinfonnietta, giving a performance of Heiner Goebbels’ Songs of Wars I have Seen. Principal Flute Lisa Beznosiuk tells us about their evening:

“We’re in elegant boiling hot Modena, arrived last night.

Last night four of us (Netty, Chi-chi and Shelagh Sutherland ..) walked to one of Pavlo’s (Lisa’s brother) recommended restaurants in Modena and it was excellent…Especially when the young curly haired waiter found out we were musicians. He became very excited, rushed off and came back with a Stentor violin in a big padded case (like the ones you see kids carrying). He’s desperate to learn the violin and had never had a lesson.

So, having finished our steaks, we got it out… all played him a tune. Netty – The Irish Washerwoman, Chi-chi played Campdown Races, I had a go at O Sole Mio and Shelagh achieved a high distinction with her rendition of Mason’s Apron.

Then, to his delight, Netty gave him his first lesson right there in the restaurant in front of us (most people were eating outside). He was SO thrilled and had a wonderful smile on his face as he began producing sounds on his violin. We’ve got photos. He asked if he and his friend could come to our rehearsal today – he can’t make the concert because of waiting in the restaurant.

I had an idea that we should tell musicians (especially violinists) to go and eat there when visiting Modena and give him the odd lesson!”